New and terrified

Really sorry you find yourself here, and hoping you’ll find some comfort in the stories and advice from others in this community.

If your consultant is recommending surgery for you as soon as next week that’s really great news (although I appreciate it probably doesn’t feel great right now) - they really wouldn’t be recommending surgery unless they felt there was a good chance of successfully removing the cancer, and delays really are the worst thing, both for your physical and mental health.

I don’t have children so can only imagine how hard it will be for you to share this news - but if you can come around to thinking of the surgery in a positive way I’m sure that will come across to them too. Both you and they are stronger than you think, and will get through this for each other.

If it would help, I’d be happy to post again tomorrow with some tips on preparing yourself for surgery and what to expect, based on my own experience of OC surgery (in December 2020).

A big hug to you, and your kids,

love Bxx

Hi B, thank you for taking the time to write . 

I realise it's great to have a date for surgery, I just want this thing out of me, I've named it but I think I might be kicked out the group if I write it down on here . 

My mind is spinning at the moment , I just can't believe this is actually happing , it doesn't feel real. I've also just had 2 biospies done on my right breast , but the results for that will only be ready Thursday and they want to crack on with my nethers. 

 I would like some extra info please about your experience on surgery.

A                                      

Hi again, sorry it’s late but today has been mad .

Been thinking of you today - wondering if you’d managed to have that chat with your kids - and how you’re all doing?

Hoping it might help you to hear a bit more about what to expect when you go in for your surgery, some tips on what to take into the hospital with you, and how to get yourself back home as soon as possible……

Firstly, in the 24 hours before surgery, you’ll be given some meds to take - no problem with those….and when you arrive at the hospital, your blood pressure etc will be taken, you’ll be given your gown and the sexy white compression stockings to put on. Then, the Anaesthetist will come round to explain what he/she is going to be doing (and maybe your surgeon too - although mine didn’t).

Immediately after surgery you’re likely to feel out of it for a day or two, and rather uncomfortable (particular when you turn), but pain management options are excellent these days, so always let the nurses know if you’re in pain. Also, while you’re immobile, you’re likely to suffer from constipation, so the sooner you’re able to get up and walk a bit the better. 

It’ll really help if you can get some exercise, and eat nutritious meals this week in the run up to you surgery, as this will help get you into the best possible physical shape for what is to come.

In terms of what to take into hospital with you - some comfy loose clothes including BIG Knickers (I found one size up from my normal and full rather than bikini briefs was fine), an extra long phone charging lead (so you can keep it plugged in behind your bed and still use your phone!). I took a book to read, but found it too hard to keep focussed, so audiobooks / podcasts worked better for me (or maybe some magazines if that’s more your thing?).

I really hope all goes well for you, and it would be great to hear how you got on if you feel like posting here again sometime.

Be thinking of you,

Bxx

Thank you so much for your lovely detailed message . All very useful . I will order myself some sexy briefs , the extra long phone charger is a brilliant idea. 

I haven't had the conversation with the kids yet, they have a fun day planned with friends and I don't want to ruin it for them. 

I know I will have an epidural in for 1-3 days for pain management. 

I'm in good hands , there's now nothing more I can do. 

Hi again, just one more piece of info…..I also had the epidural, and it’s quite normal for your legs to go numb until it’s removed. Nobody told me that beforehand so as you can imagine I was pretty panicked when it happened ! - but it wears off really fast once the epidural is stopped, and I didn’t need a whole lot of painkillers after that, so definitely no regrets.

All the best - be thinking of you,

Love Bx

Thank you, I've had 2 before so I'm hoping it will be a similar experience.

It’s such a terrible shock to the system finding out we have ovarian cancer but once the surgery and treatments are started I think one tends to feel more positive and anchored. The research into Ovarian cancer these days have made great strides and statistics you read on the internet are old and so out of date. I gather you probably have had the surgery I too had it as I’m stage 3/4. I found it generally good the recovery apart from incredibly bad wind the first week. The chemotherapy is tiring I found days 3 to 10 had more side effects so pace yourself but it is definitely doable especially when you know it’s kicking the cancer cells into oblivion! They have new maintenance drugs now to have after chemo that I will be starting next week that look very promising. I’m also on the Ovacome forum site on healthunlocked that is very informative. All in all I have felt the teams you meet tend to be very supportive so feel free to ask them as many questions as you need to. Sending you positive vibes love Mish